"The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them." Isaiah 50:4

Lectors strive to make the Liturgy of the Word as meaningful as possible for the worshiping assembly by speaking God’s Word as storyteller, telling how God has acted and is acting in our lives. Lectors must proclaim God’s Word in a clear and compelling manner so that the worshiping assembly will be inspired to ponder and meditate on God’s words in their daily lives. Lectors also raise the prayers of the faithful to God on behalf of the assembly. Two lectors are needed at every weekend and holy day Mass. The first lector proclaims the Old Testament reading and announcements before the Mass ends; the second lector proclaims the New Testament reading; and reads the prayers of the faithful (petitions) to God. Lectors are also needed for all weekday and Holy Day Masses.

Requirements:

- Must be a fully initiated Catholic.- Must have a clear, steady voice and be comfortable reading in public.- Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.- Must be willing to study the Scripture passage and take time to practice proclaiming the reading before each liturgical assignment to achieve effective liturgical proclamation.

Lectors are expected to dress in a modest and respectful manner.

Training:

Guidelines for the ministry and practical training are provided. Lectors receive a workbook with the readings for the current liturgical year as a resource in their preparation.

Ushers

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Mat 25:35

Ushers provide a welcoming atmosphere at the Church of St. Cyprian. The Christian hospitality shown to those who arrive at Mass draws people together and opens them to participation. The usher’s smile and warm reception set the tone for the liturgy by welcoming both friends and newcomers to be at home as they enter the church and assemble for prayer.

Primary responsibilities:

- Welcoming people as they enter the Church- Distributing worship aids if necessary- Finding individuals or a family to present the gifts- Handing bulletins after Mass

Requirements:

The ministry is open to all - women and men, young and old. Couples and families are encouraged to join this ministry.

Altar Servers

“Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve…” Mat 20:28

The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This involves presenting or arranging vessels and other items used in the celebrations. As members of the assembly who are often visible to all, the altar servers also model good liturgical participation by actively joining in the hymns, prayers and responses of the liturgy, and by sitting, standing, or kneeling at the appropriate times.

Requirements:

- Must be in 4th—12th grade and regularly attend Mass.- Must be a baptized member of the Catholic Church and have already received First Eucharist.- Must be willing to participate fully as a member of the liturgical assembly.- Must have parental permission to serve

Hospitality

"This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12

These ministers invite parishioners and visitors to gather after our 1st Sunday liturgies in an atmosphere of friendship and welcome. They extend hospitality to the community by providing coffee, juice, donuts, and a smile. Hospitality ministers assist in setting up and cleaning up before and after each liturgy.

Music Ministry

Art & Environment Team

“For everything there is a season…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

This team works behind the scenes to transform our Worship environment to heighten the awareness of the festive, solemn, or penitential nature of the different liturgical seasons. Their quiet presence is often unnoticed, yet the results of their labors are visible to all the parish community. A variety of helpers are needed to prepare a prayerful atmosphere in the worship space throughout the liturgical year. This includes:

Seasonal Decorating Crew - People are needed to arrange flowers and plants, to iron and hang banners, and to place other items appropriate for the liturgical season or special liturgy in the church, and the entrance of the church prior to major feasts and seasons such as Christmas and Easter. Seasonal decorating assistance is also necessary at the end of the major seasons to remove the décor and properly store it for the next year.No experience is necessary. Helpers must enjoy working with others, be willing to accept direction, and be able to assist with moving, lifting, and preparing items to be placed in the environment. Contact the parish office if you are interested in being placed on the decorator list.

Linens Crew - People are needed every week to launder and iron the linens used at Mass. Linens are typically taken home on Sunday or Monday, laundered, ironed, folded and returned by Wednesday or Thursday.

Further Information:or more information about helping on the Art and Environment Team, contact the parish office, at 408-739-8506 or via e-mail at info@saintcyprian.org.

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:54

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priests of the parish in distributing Communion at Mass. There is great joy and satisfaction to participate in this wonderful gift to God's people.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are needed at all weekday, and weekend Masses

Requirements:

- Must have a special love and care for the Eucharist and for all those who share in the Body and Blood of the Lord.- Must be at least a junior in high school- Must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation- Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church